2.9M ARPA investment brings construction in 2023

BALTIMORE, MD. (Saturday, April 23, 2022) — Today, Mayor Brandon M. Scott joined Senate President Bill Ferguson, Delegate Brooke Lierman, Councilman Zeke Cohen, Housing Authority of Baltimore City President & CEO Janet Abrahams, and community leaders to announce the restart of Phase 2A of the Key’s Pointe development project. 

Mayor Scott has committed 2.9 million from the American Rescue Plan Act funding to restart the stalled community development, as announced on March 11, 2022. The Key’s Pointe development project was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I am honored to be able to fill the gap and fulfill the city’s commitment to its long-time residents in the O’Donnell Heights community. This is an exciting development and we’re proud to be able to get it back on track,” said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. “Once again, we are maximizing the impact of our ARPA allocation to help those most in need in our city. This investment aligns with my priority pillar for ensuring Equitable Neighborhood Development across Baltimore. Thank you to the Mayor’s Office of Recovery Programs, the Housing Authority of Baltimore City, and our partners on the federal, state, and local levels for your tireless work on behalf of our residents.”

O’Donnell Heights was first created as public housing for factory workers supporting our country’s efforts during World War II. Since then, it has sadly seen decades and decades of broken promises and disengagement. As recently as 2007, the city government promised a redevelopment plan; The city demolished 900 affordable housing units with the promise of revitalization, but funding dried up. The plans grew dusty, leaving behind acres of forgotten land. For 15 years, vacant tracts have served as a metaphor for the value of this neighborhood and its residents.

“When I came into office, I pledged that our neighbors in O’Donnell Heights would know their true value to Baltimore,” said Councilmember Zeke Cohen. “Today, Mayor Scott and I, with the support of our communities have made that commitment a reality. It’s a great moment for our district and city.”

The $2.9M in funding through ARPA will go to constructing a 60-unit mixed-income rental development. Thirty affordable rental housing units are made available to current and former O’Donnell Heights residents, and 30 rental housing units are available to households earning less than 60% of the area median income. The units will be high quality, energy-efficient, and include modern amenities. This funding includes new streets, sidewalks, and public infrastructure.

“HABC is so thankful for our partnership with Mayor Scott and The City of Baltimore,” said Janet Abrahams, President & CEO of HABC. “Partnerships help us to continue creating affordable housing opportunities throughout the city, and Key’s Pointe will certainly become our next neighborhood of choice. I appreciate the residents of this community for their patience in waiting so long for the funding to become available to build this next phase. We look forward to beginning construction in Summer 2023!”